This is the only way to begin fixing Arizona’s tarnished Corporation Commission

Opinion: Corruption and ethics drive much of this year’s GOP primary election for Arizona Corporation Commission.

(Editor’s note:Opinion pieces are published for discussions purposes only.)

No other political body in the state has as tarnished of a reputation as the Arizona Corporation Commission.

A poll last year found that nearly two out of three Arizonans believe the commission that regulates public utilities and helps set consumer rates has been “corrupted” by outside influences and spending. A former commissioner, Gary Pierce, went on trial this year on accusations he took bribes to help a water company operator; the case ended in a mistrial because of a hung jury.

It is no surprise, then, that corruption and ethics drive both the Republican and Democratic primaries this year.

It is not a simple case, however, of tossing out the two GOP incumbents up for re-election and installing challengers. Here’s why.